Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy S23 FE delivers superior value at $599 compared to the S21 FE's $699 price tag. Performance improvements are substantial: the S23 FE features a newer processor (Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs Snapdragon 888), 8GB RAM versus 6GB, and a significantly better main camera with 50MP and Dual Pixel PDAF autofocus. Display brightness reaches 1450 nits on the S23 FE versus 1300 nits, providing better outdoor visibility. Both share identical 4500mAh batteries and 120Hz AMOLED panels, though the S23 FE has slightly lower resolution (2340x1080). Software advantage goes to S23 FE with Android 13 and One UI 5.1. The S21 FE's only tangible advantages are its lighter weight and slightly superior ultrawide camera. For most users, the S23 FE's $100 savings, faster processor, superior camera system, and newer software make it the clear choice.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE if…
- →Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- →Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- →Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if…
- →Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- →Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- →3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Pros
- Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Wireless charging included
Cons
- Only 6 GB RAM in the base model
- Snapdragon 888 runs warmer than newer chips
- Slow 25W wired charging
- Main camera sensor is just 12 MP despite the price
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Pros
- Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- 3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
- Four years of OS updates guaranteed
- Wireless charging with reverse wireless PowerShare
Cons
- Exynos 2200 variant has weaker performance and efficiency
- Only 25W wired charging is slow for 2023
- Gorilla Glass 5 is older protection than Victus 2
- 8 MP telephoto resolution is low
- Heavier at 209 g due to older processor thermals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12, One UI 4 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 177 g | 209 g |
| Material | Polycarbonate | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 32 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 8 MP 3x optical | 8 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.4 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 1450 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Samsung Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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